Best plumbers in New York, N.Y.

New York City is a vast megalopolis, and underpinning all of those concrete skyscrapers and brownstones is a dizzying web of pipes. New York's sewer itself is around 7,400 miles long . With so many apartment drains and water supplies, the city employs an army of plumbers. Our team evaluated NYC's plumbers to find the best four, using a quantitative approach to rank them based on online reviews, proper licensure and Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation . Then we personally called up the top four to determine what makes them stick out in such a crowded market. Here are the best plumbers to get your apartment or co-op running again when the plumbing fails.

Top New York plumbers

The best plumbing company in New York for YOU

In New York City, responsibility for hiring a plumber can fall to tenants, owners, landlords, co-op boards, supers or others. When tenants have a plumbing issue, it's often customary for them to call management first, so a super may take a crack at it before a plumber is called in. In rental situations, it can sometimes be unclear whose up to pay.

While all master plumbers in New York City must undergo mandated background checks to obtain a license, it's worth it to double-check that the company you hire conducts background checks on its employees. Since plumbers work inside your home, it's very common for potential customers to ask about background checks and credentials.

Nationwide Plumbers is the top plumbing company in New York. Between exceptional customer service, expertise in drains and gas heating and its many decades of experience, the company is a great pick for many types of plumbing work. It also provides free estimates.

Vigilante Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is the top alternative plumbing company in New York. While the company wouldn't provide pricing or guarantees over the phone, the rep we talked to was very friendly, and we were impressed that all of its technicians are fully licensed plumbers.

Best plumbing companies in New York, N.Y.

Nationwide Plumbers is the best overall New York City plumbing company

When we called Nationwide Plumbers, we reached the owner, who was remarkably friendly. The company has served New York City for decades. Current leadership has piloted the company for about nine years, transforming it into a fully licensed plumbing company. Before that, it had already been in business for three decades as a drain and sewer technician service. Today, it still works on many sewer and drain jobs, but now offers other plumbing services including gas, which the owner told us it has expertise in, and said it regularly aces gas compliance regulations.

We called to ask about a clogged drain. When we did, the team had good availability, with time slots on the day of and throughout the rest of the week, including early 8 a.m. times and afternoon availability. The company offers free estimates. The owner told us that drain work is billed hourly, starting with a baseline $350 fee. Though the final price could go up from there, depending on the nature and specifics of the job, which the estimator will factor into the company's official quote.

While the company tries to provide exact quotes, some unknowns may occasionally cause the final price to differ from the original quote. For example, if a drain clog is more serious than the estimator initially realized, the technician may need to fetch specialized equipment, which can prolong the job and raise the final price.

We asked if the company provides warranties or guarantees for its work and were told that it can, but it depends. For drain jobs, the company may not offer a guarantee on a drain with grease in it, but a shower drain is more likely to get a guarantee, which he cited as 30 days.

Services offered

• Sewer work

• Drain cleaning

• Gas piping

• Gas inspections

• HVAC

The owner told us that all Nationwide Plumbers' technicians are background-checked and drug-tested. He also told us that all the plumbers arrive in uniform, to help owners and tenants feel secure about who they bring into their home.

The company also offers some specialized services, including high-pressure water line cleanings and gas line safety inspections.

Nationwide Plumbers is not accredited by the BBB but holds an A+ rating with the service, with no complaints on record. It has a 4.8-star rating on Google (280 reviews) and a 4.9-star rating on Angi (seven reviews). The company says that it provides 24/7 service; however, it also states that its normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Friday.

See Google reviews     See Yelp reviews

Vigilante Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is our top alternative New York plumber

Vigilante Plumbing sports the tagline "Tough name, tender company" and uses a rubber duck as its logo. Based on the friendly customer service, we think that sounds about right. The representative we got on the phone was both charming and helpful.

Vigilante Plumbing is a family-owned business that has served Brooklyn and the Five Boroughs for three generations — just shy of 100 years. It's still going strong today.

Though it offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services on its website, the company was somewhat busy when we called about a drain clog. It had decent weekday service, offering us time slots two days out in the afternoon. While the representative we spoke to wouldn't share pricing over the phone, they said the company charges a $89 dispatch fee, which is waived if you book service.

When we asked if the company guarantees its work, the representative told us that this, like pricing, would be disclosed during the estimate and would depend on the conditions of the project. It quotes based on the project rather than an hourly rate, so careful inspection of the issue is critical.

Services offered

• Drains

• Emergency plumbing

• Pipe repairs and replacement

• Water filtration systems

• Boilers

• HVAC

• Fire protection

Vigilante Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning runs background checks and drug tests on all hires. The representative told us that it sends fully licensed plumbers to all jobs, not just technicians, so you can be assured that you're getting capable providers whether you book a drain cleaning or something larger. The options are many, since Vigilante Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning handles a suite of HVAC tasks as well as regular plumbing.

The company is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and one complaint on record. It has a 4.8-star rating on Google (2,021 reviews), a 2.3-star rating on Yelp (116 reviews) and a 4.4-star rating on Angi (133 reviews). It is open 24/7.

See Google reviews     See Yelp reviews

Harris Plumbing & Heating Corporation is our best plumbing company for old-school credibility

Harris Plumbing & Heating Corporation has served the New York area since 1918, and many of its plumbers have been with the company for decades. After the company restructured over three decades ago, many of the plumbers who served it then stayed. When we called in, the representative we spoke to on the phone told us that many of these old-school plumbers still work at the company today.

While the company serves Manhattan and the city as a whole, it is located in Brooklyn. The company leverages high fees to compensate for travel time to Manhattan and congestion pricing. When we asked the company for a ballpark price for a drain-clearing job in the Lower East Side, the company quoted us a rather high minimum of $700 or $800.

While the price was high, we were impressed with the representative's commitment to clear pricing. They reiterated repeatedly that they don't want to surprise customers with unexpected fees, and noted that prices are lower for work in Brooklyn. Additionally, while the company's price for drain is higher than other NYC plumbers we spoke to, this company has wide expertise. If its skills fit your needs, then this may well justify paying its interborough travel pricing.

While the company doesn't offer guarantees for most services like drain clearing, it provides year-long guarantees on installations.

Services offered

• Drains

• Inspections and testing

• Gas

• Commercial plumbing

• Fire sprinklers

• Heating

The team's availability and responsiveness were mixed. When we first called, the representative told us they'd call us back, but it took a small game of phone tag to get a chance to talk. When we did get them on the phone, the company had some availability the following day. However, it isn't available on the weekend.

We asked if Harris Plumbing & Heating Corporation runs background checks on all employees. The representative we talked to wasn't sure. However, she said that the team is fully licensed and insured, and that its plumbers have largely worked for the company for decades.

Harris Plumbing & Heating is not accredited by the BBB , though it holds an A+ rating with the bureau and has no complaints on record. It has 4.8 stars on Google (164 reviews), a 3.6-star rating on Yelp (22 reviews) and 4.8 stars on Angi (five reviews). It is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday. It is closed on the weekends.

See Google reviews     See Yelp reviews

Hub Plumbing & Heating is our top pick for plumbing remodeling

Hub Plumbing & Heating has served the Five Boroughs since 1999. Not only does the company hold a New York City master plumber license (#2305), but it is also a New York State Certified Backflow Prevention Specialist (Cert. #10068). While it happily handles drain clogs and other plumbing tasks, its specialized knowledge in backflow prevention and fixture installation sets it apart. It can handle many kitchen and bathroom plumbing remodel jobs on its own, without hiring a contractor.

When we called on a Friday afternoon, we asked the company for a quote to unclog a bathroom drain. We were told that the company's earliest availability during regular hours was on Monday morning and in the afternoon. The company does advertise 24/7 emergency plumbing services online, but did not offer weekend times during our call.

It told us that a full estimate is unavailable over the phone. Instead, the company would charge $260 plus tax for a diagnostic estimate. This fee would then be included in the total bill for fixing the problem.

Services offered

• Drains

• Water quality

• Fixture installation

• Remodels

• Water heater repair

• Emergency plumbing

The representative told us that service work, such as drain clearing, does not come with a warranty. That said, she told us that if the clog were to come right back, the company would send out an agent for further work on the issue. So we take that to mean that the company does provide a sort of informal guarantee, if not a written one.

Hub Plumbing & Heating does not conduct formal background checks on its team or require uniforms for technicians. However, the representative told us that the team is made up of trusted workers who have never caused problems.

The company is not BBB-accredited , with no rating on the site. It has a 4.6-star rating on Google (51 reviews), a 4.5-star rating on Yelp (138 reviews) and a 4.2-star rating on Angi (72 reviews). It is open 24/7 for emergency plumbing services.

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You can count on Yahoo Local plumbing advice, and this is why

At Yahoo, we bring decades of experience delivering reliable information about local businesses. We don't just tell you to trust us — we show you why we've earned it. Our proprietary ranking system combines reviews from multiple well-established sources and weights them carefully to create what we believe is the most authoritative local business ranking available. We share the details behind our rankings so you can evaluate their credibility for yourself, which are outlined below. Unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local never accepts payment for inclusion or placement, and our recommendations are fully independent, never "sponsored" or influenced by outside parties. Want to learn more? Visit our full methodology page .

Below is everything that went into the rankings for our list of the best plumbing companies in New York City:

• 150 plumbers evaluated

• 14,156 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• Eight ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all four featured plumbers

• Independent price quotes sought from all featured plumbing companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

New York plumbing FAQs

How do I know if my water heater needs repairs or a full replacement?

Water heaters often show it when they're wearing down. Gurgles, banging sounds from pipes, and brown water are all signs that your water heater might need some care. Problems with your water heater don't always mean its end is near, however. With proper maintenance, many of these problems can be corrected. That said, leaks from your system or a failure to heat water do often mean that the issues with your water heater run deeper, and a full replacement could be in order .

In New York, landlords and building supervisors often have the keys to building boiler rooms, not tenants. If you're a tenant who experiences these issues, it's worth alerting your landlord. If a hot water heater fails, it could be a violation of local law and subject to investigation by the Department of Buildings .

How long does a water heater typically last in New York?

New York isn't exactly standard when it comes to water heaters. In a New York building, a boiler might serve more than one unit — sometimes dozens or more. For most of the country, a residential water heater has a lifespan of 6 to 12 years, according to The Home Depot .

In New York City, the lifespan of a water heater will vary considerably depending on the type of water heater it is, the number of apartments serviced and how well the system is maintained.

What are the most common issues people call plumbers to fix?

By and large, drain problems are the most common issue people call plumbers about. While lesser drain clogs are widely fixable by tenants, supers or homeowners , deeper clogs usually require a plumber.

Beyond drain issues, running toilets are another common reason for plumber calls, as is water heater maintenance.

How can I tell if I can fix a plumbing issue myself or if I should call a pro?

Small plumbing repairs like drain clearance and cleaning a faucet aerator are always fair game for the DIY enthusiast. However, there are many larger issues that should never be attempted on one's own. New York has strict plumbing codes , and lots of plumbing jobs will require that proper permits be filed with the city before work begins.

For those who do want to learn basic DIY plumbing skills, the internet is full of handy resources that can help . Additionally, there are lots of great plumbing books out there that can help folks learn plumbing and do the job correctly.

Is it better to go with a smaller plumbing company or a larger one?

At Yahoo Local, we generally recommend small local businesses. However, there are cases where hiring a larger plumbing company can be worth it. Sometimes, larger companies have the resources to employ more specialized technical machinery. Additionally, larger companies may employ experts in a number of different plumbing tasks, where a small plumbing company might either be more of a generalist or focus only on one specific type of plumbing work, such as water heater maintenance or medical plumbing.

Do plumbing companies in New York City need to be licensed?

Plumbing companies in New York City need to be licensed locally via the NYC Department of Buildings. A Master Plumber license certifies a plumber to oversee other plumbers. Plumbers who are gaining experience in the trade will need to work for a number of years under the supervision of a Master Plumber before they apply for a Journeyman license .

Read our full guide to New York plumbing licensing .

Do all reputable plumbers do background checks?

Since plumbers usually work inside clients' homes, most reputable plumbers do conduct background checks on employees. In fact, in many locations, background checks are required for licensing. That said, even when jurisdictions require that master plumbers be background checked, the process doesn't always extend to technicians and employees. If you're concerned about who comes into your home, it's worth asking plumbers if they background check their employees before you hire them.

Do plumbers usually charge by the hour or flat rate?

Since plumbing work encompasses a wildly large range of tasks, from gas piping to sewer maintenance, pricing can vary substantially . Many plumbers charge by the hour, while others quote a price for a whole job. Since there isn't a standard, we recommend that you ask your plumber questions before you hire them. This can include ballpark pricing for the type of work and how the plumber quotes.

Should plumbers provide written estimates before beginning a job?

Usually, when you call a plumbing company, it will send a rep to your home for a plumbing inspection . This technician or plumber will evaluate the scope of the job. Generally, they will then furnish a written estimate that lays out a work proposal, a price, and any circumstances that could cause the price to go over the estimate.

Region Energy , a New Jersey-based energy and propane company, cautions that homeowners should always seek a written estimate from a plumber before work begins. If a company is reluctant to furnish a written estimate, it's fair to be skeptical of whether it's fully reputable.

Do plumbers usually offer warranties? And if so, what kind?

Since plumbing tasks encompass both pure service work, like drain-cabling, as well as the installation of fixtures like faucets and toilets, warranties vary considerably. Sometimes warranties and guarantees are laid out on plumbing company websites. However, if this information is clearly provided, it may be worth asking. Often, guarantees on service work will be provided along with the project quote when the company technician is able to assess the scope of the job. So this is another reason to seek a written estimate.

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